Ecclesiastes 3
Song of Songs chapter 3 can be divided into three parts. First, it presents a scene in which the bride searches for her beloved at night (verses 1-5). Second, it continues into a scene featuring King Solomon’s procession (verses 6-11). This chapter poetically describes both the bride’s earnest longing for her beloved and the preciousness of a meeting born of love.
1verseFor everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
2versea time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3versea time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4versea time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5versea time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6versea time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7versea time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8versea time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
9verseWhat profit has he who works in that in which he labors?
10verseI have seen the burden which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.
11verseHe has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can’t find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end.
12verseI know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live.
13verseAlso that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.
14verseI know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that men should fear before him.
15verseThat which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago. God seeks again that which is passed away.
16verseMoreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.
17verseI said in my heart, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.”
18verseI said in my heart, “As for the sons of men, God tests them, so that they may see that they themselves are like animals.
19verseFor that which happens to the sons of men happens to animals. Even one thing happens to them. As the one dies, so the other dies. Yes, they have all one breath; and man has no advantage over the animals, for all is vanity.
20verseAll go to one place. All are from the dust, and all turn to dust again.
21verseWho knows the spirit of man, whether it goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, whether it goes downward to the earth?”
22verseTherefore I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his works, for that is his portion; for who can bring him to see what will be after him?
The Bride Who Sets Out to Find Her Beloved (3:1-5)
The bride searches for her beloved in the night on her bed, but she does not find him. After getting up and walking around the city, she searches earnestly until, at last, she meets him. Her determination not to lose him again reveals the fervor and fragility of love, as well as the preciousness of the encounter.
King Solomon’s Procession (3:6-11)
Beginning with verse 6, King Solomon’s grand procession is described. The scene in which aromatic goods, weapons, and servants escort Solomon creates an atmosphere that is both majestic and mysterious. This procession symbolically shows that the union of love is beautiful and honorable.
The Meaning of Love Seen Through Song of Songs Chapter 3
Song of Songs chapter 3 emphasizes the attitude of seeking love, persevering, and valuing the love one receives. The bride knows how precious love is and strives not to lose it; and King Solomon’s parade poetically symbolizes how glorious and joyful love is. It delivers the message that love becomes even more beautiful when it is found, waited for, and enjoyed.
Meditation Points
- How am I seeking true love in my life?
- What are the relationships and loves I treasure, and how am I protecting them?
Applying It to Myself
- Let’s reflect again on the precious things I once gave up too easily, and think about what efforts are needed for true love and relationships.
- Remembering the preciousness of love, let’s cultivate a heart of gratitude even in the small encounters and relationships of each day.
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